Stand Up India Scheme {स्‍टैण्‍ड-अप इंडिया योजना}

The Stand up India scheme was introduced to provide people of scheduled caste and scheduled tribe or women of India with a loan of INR 10 lakhs to INR 1 crore according to their requirements. The goal is to encourage entrepreneurship along with it. 1.25 lakhs banks of the country will provide loan to at least one tribal or Dalit or women entrepreneur under this scheme in their region. 

The scheme was launched in 2016 by honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote entrepreneurship among the Dalits, STs, SCs and women of the nation by providing them financial aid. 

Features of the Scheme

• This scheme is a division of the DFS or Department of Financial Services to popularize entrepreneurship among the minorities.
• The loan amount will be INR 10 lakhs to INR 1 crore comprehensive of the working capital will be given for starting a new business.
• Under this scheme, the bank will provide at least two loans on an average either to a woman or SC/ST person.
• The individuals will be given a RuPay Debit Card for credit and withdrawal purposes.
• The bank will keep the history of credit to make sure the money is not being used for any personal use.
• There will be a refinance window given by SIDBI or Small Industries Development Bank of India.
• There will be a credit guarantee of INR 5000 crore by NCGTC under this scheme.
• There will also be a pre-loan training for the borrowers to understand the facilities of the loan, marketing and factoring etc. better.
• For online registration and assistance, there will be an online portal.
• The main goal of the scheme is to help with the industrial credit formation by providing financial aid to the minorities who don’t belong to the farm sector.
• This scheme can also be excellent support for the already existing program of different departments.
• SIDBI will operate this scheme along with the DICCI, which is the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry. 
• The title of SUCC or Stand up Connect Centers will be given to NABARD or National Bank of Agriculture & Rural Development.
• At first, the SIDBI or Small Industries Development Bank of India will be given the financial aid of INR 10000.
• The scheme also offers assistance in the operational and pre-loan phase. And the officials will also be available to help throughout the period.
• The individuals who will apply for the scheme will also be taught about web-entrepreneurship, e-marketing, registration and factory services.

Eligibility 

Individuals need to meet some specific eligibility criteria which have to be fulfilled by them to qualify for this scheme.

• The candidates must ne older than 19 years.
• The company has to be limited or private.
• The turnover should not be more than INR 25 crore of the company.
• The individual must be a Dalit or ST/SC or women entrepreneur.
• Only Greenfield projects will be given financial aid.
• Any bank or institution defaulter will not be qualified for this scheme.
• The approval of DIPP is necessary, and the company should deal with only any innovative or commercial goods.

Benefits 

• The primary aim of this scheme is to promote and motivate modern entrepreneurs to start businesses as this will help address the issue of unemployment.
• This scheme is also beneficial if you are investing as it also assists and gives proper knowledge about all the information and related laws. They will also provide help in the first two years.
• Another benefit is post help by appointed consultants.
• The primary benefit is that the borrowers don’t have to worry about paying back the loan amount as they can repay it quickly in seven years. However, there is a provision of payback every year with the amount decided by the entrepreneur.
• This scheme also takes away any legal, institutional and operational problems for the entrepreneurs.
• It also helps to preserve the demographic dividend of the country.
• This will result in solving the employment problems of Dalits, women and other minorities by creating various socio-economic developments.

Tax Incentives 

• The candidates will be rewarded with 80% rebate after filling the application form. This form is only for start-ups and more beneficial to them as compared to the other entities.
• There is also a lessening of income tax in the first three years for the entrepreneurs.
• Also, there is a full reduction on the Capital Gain Tax for the entrepreneurs
• Plus, the companies who are eligible for this scheme will enjoy incentives and benefits such as the recovery of tax on the earned profits.

Documents Required

• ID Proof: Passport/ Driving license/ Voter’s ID Card/ PAN card/ Identity Signature identification from the partner or bankers of Proprietor
• Residence Proof: Electricity Bill, Phone Bills, Passport, Property Tax Receipt
• Business Address’s Proof
• Articles or memorandum of the company 
• Assets and liabilities statements with proof 
• Rent Agreement
• MSME registration
• Photocopies of lease deeds
• SC/ST certificate for proof

You can learn more about this scheme on its official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the Stand Up India scheme?

The stand up India scheme is a project for the minorities in India to provide financial aid to them in order to support them with their business.

Q. When was this launched?

This scheme was launched in 2016.

Q. Who launched this scheme?

The prime minister of India Narendra Modi launched this scheme.

Q. Can general category people apply for this scheme?

No, this scheme is only for Dalits, SC/ST and women of this country. People from general category neither are nor qualified for this scheme. 

Q. What is the minimum loan amount?

The minimum loan amount is ten lakhs.

Q. What is the maximum loan amount?

The maximum loan amount is one crore.

Q. What is the recovery period of the loan?

The borrower has eight years to pay back the loan amount. However, he or she can pay back small amounts each year as decided by them.

Q. Will it help in unemployment issues of the country?

Yes, this scheme promotes entrepreneurship which will eventually lead to employment at various levels.

Q. Who will provide the loan?

The loans will be provided by 1.25 lakhs banks from all over the country.

Q. Where can I apply for this scheme?

You can apply for this scheme in the nearest bank branch.